Game of Thrones' Lena Headey Gets a Big Cut (the Good Kind)

As the sinister Cersei Lannister on Game of Thrones, Lena Headey is known for luxurious platinum blonde locks that cascade down her royal garb. But like many Games stars, that’s a stark contrast to Headey’s real-life look.

Without her character’s wig, “I don’t get as much attention, but people do still recognize me,” says Headey at the show’s New York premiere of Season 4 on Tuesday. “There was a lady going through my bag at the airport and she kind of looked up and said ‘I know who you are.’ It was an awkward moment.”RELATED: Even more hairstyles we’re loving right now!

She may be even harder to recognize now that she’s chopped inches off her locks — a decision the 300 star made at the last moment recently. “I was at a photo shoot and I had washed it so it was wet,” explains Headey, “I’d never met the hairdresser and there was no mirror but I said ‘You know what? Cut it off!'”

It’s a command Cersei might ordinarily issue as a death sentence, but for Headey, the decision gave life to an edgy new look. “I just felt instinctively about it,” says the actress, showing off her wavy bob on the red carpet. “I love it.”

Which way do you like Headey’s hair best? Think Cersei should get a bob too?